This DVD Video features the three-act opera Aleksis Kivi (1996) by Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara. This release pays tribute to lead role performer Jorma Hynninen on the occasion of his 70th anniversary in 2011.

Written by the composer, the libretto tells the story of Finland's national author Aleksis Kivi (1834-1872) and draws on many of Kivi's own poems and texts. Aleksis Kivi wrote the first significant novel in the Finnish language (Seitsemän veljestä / "Seven Brothers"), but during his short lifetime he suffered from moral and artistic condemnation by literary rivals. He died, insane and impoverished, at age 38.

Rautavaara composed this opera from 1995-1996 for the Savonlinna Opera Festival. The commission was instigated by Jorma Hynninen, who had been instrumental in the genesis of Thomas and Vincent too. He also created the title roles in all three operas. Aleksis Kivi was premiered in the rock cavern concert hall at Retretti Art Centre near Savonlinna on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the death of Aleksis Kivi in 1997. The premiere recording followed five years later, in April 2002 (ODE 1000-2D). Several individual numbers from this opera have since then been performed and recorded separately to much acclaim (ODE 1085-2).

This Finnish National Opera production is staged at Almi Hall by Pekka Milonoff, with Eeva Ijäs signing for the set design, Niina Pasanen for the costume design, Juha Westman for the lighting design, and Ari Numminen for the choreography. Artistic director Mikko Franck conducts the Orchestra of the Finnish National Opera, as well as the following cast of Finnish soloists:

This recording was made in October 2010 by the Finnish Broadcasting Company YLE and directed for video by Hannu Kamppila, with Timo Anttila as Director of Photography. A co-production of the Finnish National Opera and Ondine, this is the first commercial audio-video release of this opera on DVD.

This DVD includes, as a bonus addition, a making-of film featuring composer Einojuhani Rautavaara, lead role performer Jorma Hynninen, and conductor Mikko Franck in interviews.